No More Elderly Leaders? House OF Reps Passes Bill To Bar Over-60s From Elections

Sponsored by Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere, the proposed legislation aims to amend the 1999 Constitution to impose a maximum age limit of 60 years for these key political positions. The bill stipulates that candidates for the presidency and governorship must not exceed 60 years at the time of election and must possess at least a Bachelor’s degree.

Specifically, the bill targets amendments to Section 131 of the Constitution, which outlines presidential eligibility, and Section 177, which sets criteria for gubernatorial candidates.

Alongside this age limit bill, the House also passed several other notable bills for second reading:

• Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education Bill: Sponsored by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas and Rep. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, this bill seeks to upgrade Alvan Ikoku College of Education in Imo State to a federal university to enhance educational standards.

• Bill for the Creation of Ideato West Local Government Area: Proposes establishing a new local government area in Imo State to improve governance and development.

• Bill for Mandatory Inclusion of Youths and Persons with Disabilities in Political Appointments: Sponsored by Rep. Ugochinyere, this bill ensures reserved positions for young people and persons with disabilities in government appointments.

• Bill to Move Trade and Commerce to the Concurrent Legislative List: Seeks to grant both federal and state governments authority to regulate trade and commerce for enhanced economic cooperation.

• Reserved Seats for Women in National and State Assemblies Bill: Sponsored by Rep. Kafilat Ogbara, this bill proposes dedicated legislative seats for women to promote gender inclusivity in governance.

Two judicial reform bills were also introduced:

• Timelines for Justice Administration Bill (Sponsored by Rep. Benjamin Okezie Kalu): Aims to speed up judicial processes and reduce delays in Nigeria’s legal system.

• Increase in Supreme Court & Court of Appeal Justices Bill (Sponsored by Rep. Bello Kaoje): Proposes expanding the number of justices to improve judicial efficiency.

Additionally, the House deliberated on bills proposing the creation of new states, including Wan State in the North Central region and Gobir State in the Northwest.